3 minute read

The progressive Anglers Crag netted his biggest pot to date when staying on stoutly in the valuable Eider Chase at Newcastle.

The seemingly improving nine-year-old took his record to four from four for local trainer Brian Ellison having completed the hat-trick in fine style at Musselburgh earlier in the month.

A step up to four miles and one furlong meant a leap into unchartered territory for the 11/2 chance, who was fairly easy to back before the off, but any doubts about his stamina for the marathon contest were quickly quashed as he battled on bravely in the closing stages.

Having made stealthy progressive throughout the field on the final circuit, a bad mistake at the second last looked like it could prove costly, but Anglers Crag found bundles for pressure up the Newcastle run-in for Henry Brooke, eventually drawing on to score by a neck from the 11/1 chance Prince Des Fichaux.

"He takes a bit of riding, this thing!" Brooke said speaking with Sky Sports Racing after the valuable victory.

"He does! He's awkward, he's got his head on the ground, then he picks his head up and you're on washing lines.

"You change hands to get a better contact with him and he feels that and takes off again.

"He missed two out, he was going really well, and I just wanted him to chip in and pop it.

"He's normally ultra careful and that's what he likes to do, he's done very well to get back up and win the race. We're delighted.

"He's an improving horse, Brian's done wonders with him and he seems to like their routine."